Experimental Roma

The story

Interior architect Rodolphe Parente drew on the contrasts that define Rome: beauty and decay, sacred art and profane celebration, heritage and modernity. Rooms range from a 17sqm single overlooking the secret garden to deluxe rooms with draped headboards, bold stripes and deep burgundy tones. Some have balconies or terraces over the Ludovisi neighbourhood, while others look onto Villa Maraini, home of the Swiss Institute. At Ludovisi e Cadore, Roman-born chef Giovanni Passerini, celebrated in Paris, cooks Roman food with views of Villa Borghese, giving the quinto quarto, the less noble cuts, an elegant treatment. Up top, La Terrasse serves drinks all day beside the pool under umbrella pines and is at its best at sunset. The tucked-away Experimental Cocktail Club pours classics such as the Negroni late into the night.